Fórsa will return to the WRC on 2nd March to continue discussions on a pay claim for members working in community employment services funded by the Department of Social Protection.

Fórsa and Siptu attended conciliation talks on 2nd February last, where the department made an offer to increase pay by 3% over the course of 2023.

In a memo to members, Fórsa official Tony Martin said the department confirmed the offer would be applied to workers in Community Employment (CE) schemes, Tús, the Rural Social scheme and Job Initiative.

However, Tony added that the department said the offer did not extend to workers in the Local Area Employment Service.

He said the department also offered to discuss a mechanism for future pay determination.

The meeting adjourned at the unions’ request to facilitate consultation with members, and the next meeting has been arranged for 2nd March.